Sulla_And_Ceasar

Sulla And Ceasar Contrast of Plutarch’s Lives of Sulla and Caesar An interesting, but dramatic understanding of roman history can be reached by analyzing the differences in the Lives of Sulla and Caesar, specifically the effect and uses of money during their rise to power. Plutarch’s writings give insight on not only those great men, but on Plutarch himself. The use of money, either for bribery, compensation of soldiers, or public displays was instrumental in both men’s lives. Sulla’s greediness and love of vulgarity is characterized, as well as Caesar’s generosity towards supporters who were running for office. Sulla rejected his hereditary poverty and flaunted his wealth in lewd ways, while Caesar’s noble beginnings are shown by his more stylish way of handling financial matters. Analysis of any of Plutarch’s works must be qualified by the idea that he is not a historian, but had an in depth knowledge of ancient history that he presupposes his readers to have (Scardigli 67). His accounts have more to do with character and morals than with historical significance. Since he lived and wrote after these events had taken place, he had no particular agenda to fulfill. As said by Plutarch, “So plutarch, money, sulla, caesar, plutarch’s, history, two, sulla’s, soldiers, roman, public, out, lives, during, while, office, caesar’s, after, rich, property, power, period, men’s, hand, gained, financial, both, become, accounts, wealth, ways, way, viewed, truth, towards